My friend told me the other day,
“We are Science, and Faith, two sides of the same coin.”
That evening, I thought, “On the one hand is Science
and on the other, Faith –
And then I visualized this
Science and Faith, brought together in
prayer — what wonders God works.
Jesus used the examples of vines, branches, and fruit to help us see ─ our lives are a lot like a grapevine.
Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it so that it may bear more fruit,” John 15:1-2 (NASB)
The owner of the vineyard tells me she removes the branches that are dead. That she added a new branch (root) which is already entwined with the older vine.
Jesus continues, “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”
When growing grapes, the entire plant is considered the grape vine. It is this portion from which all other branches, leaves, and fruit, must grow. Rosalie went on to explain for the fruit to reach its maximum potential, it must receive plenty of sunlight. This means that even some of the beautiful leaves and young shoots must be pruned away. This makes room for the sun to shine through. She said she didn’t like to do that part but, if she didn’t, then there wouldn’t be tasty grapes to eat.
Jesus used the examples of vines, branches, and fruit to help us see ─ our lives are a lot like a grapevine. The dead wood (sin) must be removed and destroyed. Unnecessary parts of our busy days need to be carefully pruned to allow the Light of the Son to shine through. When Jesus, the Son, shines in our lives then fruit will grow.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” Galatians 5:22-23 (NASB)
I’m grateful that we have a God who is more passionate than a defending parent, more passionate than a shepherd looking for a sheep, more passionate than those who spend hours hunting for that last coin.
Passion is a driving force
What does searching for a lost horse and stopping a quarrel between 12 year old girls have in common?
For background information –
The other day, 12 year old girls got into a spat at a softball game. Pulled hair, pushing at each other, and name calling resulted. One mother stepped in to defend her daughter, leaving the other mother standing speechless.
A horse that I’ve taken care of over many years was sold to a new owner. The young lady who previously owned this horse is trying to locate the new owner. She wants to ensure the horse is happy and well cared for. Through social media, the search for this horse (Chloe) has expanded to several states and hundreds of people.
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I put lots of time in sharing the photos and posts of the horse on Facebook. Made flyers to post in feed stores and at horse events. Spent brain power on “who to tag next”, “where else can we put flyers”, etc. I feel passionate about this horse and the search to find out if she’s safe.
In Luke, Chapter 15 Jesus tells parables of a “lost sheep”, a “lost coin”, and “the prodigal son”. Each of these stories reflect a passion to find that which is lost. The father of the prodigal son even comes to the son’s defense in the face of his envious brother.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+15&version=NASB
A mother (or father) evokes passion in the defense of their child. God is passionate in our defense too.
A searcher harnesses his (or her) passion in the quest to locate the lost. God is the Searcher who is pursuing the lost. His passion is all-consuming and He will not cease to search and find those who are His.
I’m grateful that we have a God who is more passionate than a defending parent, more passionate than a shepherd looking for a sheep, more passionate than those who spend hours hunting for that last coin.
His passion is everlasting and is a Driving Force. He asks us to share in this passion by telling others of Him. Of Jesus. Of His love. Let’s keep looking for the lost.
paynefulponderings 